Cleaning device for floors and the like



Sept. 19, 1961 w. CARLSON 3,000,039

CLEANING DEVICE FOR FLOORS AND THE LIKE Filed April 19. 1956 IN V EN TOR.

Wa//e bf/500 United States Patent() 3,000,039 CLEANING DEVICE FOR FLOORS AND THE LIKE Walter Carlson, 800 East B St., Iron Mountain, Mich.

Filed Apr. 19, 1956, Ser. No. 579,251 Claims. (Cl. 15-534) This invention relates to cleaning devices for floors and the like which are adapted for use in applying a cleaning iluid and also for mopping or wiping up the cleaning solution or uid.

The main `objects of this invention are:

First, to provide `a device for cleaning floors and other surfaces which may be used for applying a cleaning solution or duid.

Second, to provide a device for cleaning oors and other surfaces which may be used for applying a cleaning solution or uid to the surface and quickly adjusted for wiping the surface.

Third, to provide a cleaning device having these advantages which is highly eicient and may be rapidly manipulated for the purposes indicated with a minimum of manual effort.

Objects relating to details and economies of the invention will definitely appear from the description to follow. The invention is defined in the claims.

A structure which embodies the features of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. l is a side elevational view of a cleaning device embodying my invention positioned as suspended from the handle.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view on a line 2-2 of FIGS, 3 and 4 in one position for use.

FIG. 3 is a transverse section on a line corresponding to line 3 3 of FIG. 2, the bail of the handle being partially broken away and shown in full lines.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of the body member with the handle omitted.

FIG. 5 is an inverted perspective view of the sponge.

The embodiment of my invention illustrated is primarily designed for cleaning floors although it may be used to advantage for cleaning other surfaces. The device comprises a bottom 1 desirably having transverse Vribs or corrugations 2. The outer side and end Walls 3,

3 and 4, `4 project upwardly from the edges of the bottom. The inner side walls 5 and the inner end walls 6 and 7 are spaced from the outer side walls to define a channel-like reservoir 8 on three sides. The inner end wall 7 is spaced from the corresponding outer end wall a greater distance lthan the other inner walls to provide a reservoir enlargement or supply reservoir 9. The top wall 11 for the reservoir portion 9 is provided with ia filler nipple 12, a closure cap 13 being provided with the nipple. The nipple is surrounded by a recess 14, the purpose of whichwill be later pointed out.

The inner wallsdetine a rectangular holder adapted to receive the inner portion 15 of the sponge 16 which is preferably of synthetic material and is of substantial firmness. The sponge is provided with an outer portion 17 which overlaps the top walls and is supported thereby when the sponge is inserted in the holder. The flanges 18 project inwardly from the holder walls to retainingly engage the sponge which is desirably formed with grooves 19 receiving the flanges, although, being yieldable, the sponge may be retainingly engaged by the anges without the groove being provided, but the grooving of the sponge to receive the flanges the likelihood of tearing the sponge as it is inserted and removed.

The ports or openings 20 are provided yat the bottom of the inner walls 5 and 6 to feed cleaning uid from the reservoir to the sponge. The bottom is adapted to receive and support the wiping cloth 21 which is arranged ice 2 across the bottom, preferably with some tension, and its ends wrapped around the ends of the body member and folded inwardly over the top walls which are provided with transverse grooves 22 in which the cloth is secured by the clamps 23.

The sponge is provided with a hole 24 receiving the filling nipple #12 when the sponge is positioned as shown in FIG. 2. The cap 13 is provided with a flange 25 which engages a substantial portion of the sponge around the opening therein and clamps it into the groove or recess surrounding the nipple with the cap or closure well spaced from the face of the sponge so that it does not contact the surface across which the sponge is manipulated.

The handle 26 is provided with a bail 27 having pintles 2S which are engaged in the outer side walls intermediate the ends thereof, preferably somewhat off center as is illustrated. The walls have bridging portions 2.9 constituting bearings for the pintles 28.

To facilitate quick return of the drainage from the. sponge to the reservoir 9 when the device is positioned as shown in FIG. 1, the wa1l7 is spaced from the bottom to provide a slot-like opening 30 and a bafe 31 is provided at the inner side of the wall 7 projecting upwardly from the bottom to prevent splashing or flow of the cleaning liquid through the slot-like opening 30 as the device is manipulated, either in the position shown in FIG. 2 or in the position shown in FIG. 3.

In the embodiment illustrated the body member is formed entirely of plastic `and is molded in two sections, a juncture line being indicated by dotted lines. This permits the sections to be molded with the proper draft taper. The inner walls are desirably formed of one piece and that facilitates the forming of the ports or openings 20 in the inner walls.

It is contemplated that the device be used with a cleaning uid as distinguished from water although it may be used with water. In manipulating the device the reservoir is supplied with cleaning uid and is desirably left upright long enough for the sponge to become substantially saturated. The device is then manipulated across the surface to be cleaned and when an tarea thereof has been covered the device is inverted and manipulated with the wiping cloth downward to wipe up the previously treated surface. With the handle positioned as indicated, the device can be inverted by a flipping action at the same time the handle is positioned so desired pressure can be exerted with the device either side up. The device is highly efficient and a surface may be rapidly cleaned. It will be noted that the openings 20 to the reservoir are positioned so that when the device is in position, shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning liquid cannot ilow through the openings. Some liquid is discharged through the openings 20 as the device is manipulated as a result of sloshing of the liquid in the reservoir but when the device is rst put into use it should be positioned with the bottom 1 downwardly until a sufficient amount of liquid has penetrated the sponge. The device is then positioned as in FIG. 2 to apply the liquid to and scrub the surface and it may be readily reversed for drying or wiping the surface. The handle is so `arranged that the device may be readily reversed to rechar-ge the sponge although the reversal movement as commonly practiced in. use results in keeping the sponge properly charged.

The device illustrated is elongated but it will be understood that it may be of any desired dimensions.V The terms side and end walls are used for convenience and not as indicating dimensions; for example, the width might be greater than the front to rear dimensions.

The size of the device depends somewhat on whether it is designed for domestic use or for use in public buildings and the like where large areas are to be cleaned.

I have not illustrated variousV embodiments contemplated as it is lbelieved this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to embody the invention as may be desired.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. In a cleaning device, a -body member comprising a bottom transversely corrugated on its outer side, outer side and end walls, inner side and end walls spaced inwardly from corresponding outer walls, the inner walls dening a holder open at the top and having inwardly projecting ilanges at their upper edges, top walls extending between said inner and outer walls and with said walls and bottom defining a reservoir surrounding the holder, the inner walls having openings at the bottoms thereof opening to said holder, one inner wall being spaced from its corresponding outer end Wall to provide an enlargement for the reservoir, the top wall of which is provided with a filler nipple, there being a recess in the top wall surrounding said iller nipple, the end top walls having transversegrooves therein, a wiping cloth disposed upon the bottom with its ends wrapped around the outer end walls and disposed within said grooves, clamp members detachably securing said wiping cloth within said grooves, a sponge of substantial firmness having an inner portion disposed within said holder and an outer portion overlapping and in supported relation to said top walls, said inner portion having grooves in its edges with which said anges are engaged, said outer portion having an opening therein receiving said tiller nipple, and a closure threaded upon said ller nipple and clamping a portion of said sponge into said recess surrounding the nipple.

2. In a cleaning device, a body member comprising a bottom, outer side and end walls, inner side and end walls spaced inwardly from corresponding outer walls, the inner walls deiining a holder open at the top and having inwardly projecting flanges at their upper edges, top walls extending between said inner and outer walls and with said walls and bottom deiining a reservoir surrounding the holder, the inner walls having openings at the bottoms thereof opening to said holder, one inner end wall being spaced from its corresponding outer end wall to provide an enlargement for the reservoir, the top wall of which is provided with a filler nipple, there being a recess in the top wall surrounding .said iiller nipple, a sponge of substantial rmness having an inner portion disposed within said holder and an outer portion overlapping and in supported relation to said top walls, said inner portion having grooves in its edges with which said anges are engaged, said outer portion having an opening therein receiving said ller nipple, and a closure threaded upon said filler nipple and clamping a portion of said Sponge into said recess surrounding the nipple.

3. In a cleaning device, a body member comprising a bottom, outer side and end walls, inner side and end walls spaced inwardly from corresponding outer walls, the inner walls deiining a holder open at the top, top Walls extending between said inner and outer walls and with said walls and bottom defining -a reservoir, the inner Walls having openings to said holder positioned adjacent the top of the reservoir when the holder is facing downwardly, one top wall having a iiller nipple and a recess surrounding the nipple, opposed top walls having grooves therein, a wiping cloth disposed upon the bottom with its ends wrapped around said opposed walls and disposed within said grooves, clamp members detachably securing said wiping cloth within said grooves, a sponge of substantial firmness having an inner portion disposed within said holder and an outer portion overlapping and in supported relationrto said top walls, said outer portion having an opening therein receiving said filler nipple and a closure threaded upon said filler nipple and clamping a portion of said sponge into said recess surrounding the nipple, and a handle provided with a bail pivotally connected to the sides of the body member in spaced relation to its ends so that the body member is'reversibly vsup'- ported to permit the sponge or the wiping cloth being presented to a surface and to control the delivery of liquid to the sponge.

4. In a cleaning device, a body member comprising a bottom, outer side and end walls, inner side and end walls spaced inwardly from corresponding outer walls, the inner walls defining a holder open at the top, top walls extending between said inner and outer walls and with said walls and bottom defining a reservoir, the inner walls having openings to said holder positioned adjacent the top of the reservoir when the holder is facing downwardly, one top wall having a ller nipple and a recess surrounding the nipple, opposed top walls having grooves therein, a sponge of substantial firmness having an inner portion disposed within said holder and an outer portion overlapping and in supported relation to said top walls, said outer portion having an Vopening therein receiving said r'iller nipple and a closure threaded upon said iiller nipple and clamping a portion of said sponge into said recess surrounding the nipple.

5. In a cleaning device, a body member comprising a bottom, outer side and end Walls, inner side and end walls spaced inwardly from corresponding outer walls, the inner walls deining a holder and having inwardly projecting parts, top walls extending between said inner and outer walls `and with said walls and bottom defining a reservoir surrounding the holder, the inner walls having openings to said holder, positioned adjacent the top of the reservoir when the holder is facing downwardly, one top wall having a ller nipple, a wiping cloth disposed upon the bottom, a sponge having an inner portion disposed within said holder and an outer portion overlapping and in supported relation to said top walls, said outer portion having an opening therein receiving said iiller nipple and a closure threaded upon said ller nipple in clamping engagement with said sponge, and a handle provided with a bail pivotally connected to the body member so that the body member may be reversed and the sponge or the wiping cloth presented to a surface to control the delivery of liquid to the sponge within the holder.

6. In a cleaning device, a body member comprising a bottom, outer side and end walls, inner side and end walls spaced inwardly from corresponding outer walls, the inner walls defining a holder and having inwardly projecting parts, top walls extending between said inner and outer walls and with said walls and bottom deining a reservoir surrounding the holder, the inner walls having openings to said holder positioned adjacent the top of the reservoir when the holder is facing downwardly, one top wall having a iiller nipple, a sponge having an inner portion disposed within said holder and an outer portion overlapping and in supported relation to said top walls, said outer Vportion having an opening therein receiving said iiller nipple and a closure threaded upon said filler nipple in clamping engagement with said sponge.

7. In a cleaning device, a body member comprising a bottom, spaced inner and outer side and end walls, the inner walls defining a holder open at the top and having anges projecting into the holder and being provided with openings to the Iholder positioned adjacent the top of the reservoir vwhen the holder is facing downwardly, top walls extending between said inner and outer walls, said bottom, inner and outer walls and top walls dening a reservoir, opposed top walls having grooves therein, a wiping cloth disposed upon the bottom with its ends wrapped around said opposed walls and disposed within said grooves, clamp members for detachably securing the wiping cloth within said grooves, a sponge of substantial rmness having a portion disposed within said holder in retaining engagement with said flanges and a portion overlapping -said top walls, and a handle provided with a bail pivotally connected to the body member so that the body member is reversibly supported permitting the sponge or the wiping cloth being presented toa surface and manipulated thereon by said handle.

8. In a cleaning device, a body member comprising a bottom, inner and outer side walls and top walls extending between the inner and outer walls and coacting therewith to define a reservoir, the inner Walls defining a holder and having openings therein opening to the top of the reservoir when the holder is facing downwardly, a wiping cloth supportedly disposed upon said bottom, a sponge having an inner portion disposed in said holder and having an outer portion inoverlapping supported relation to said top walls, and a handle pivotally connected to said body member whereby the body member is reversibly supported permitting either the sponge or the wiping cloth being presented to and manipulated upon a surface and to control the feed of the liquid to the sponge.

9. In a cleaning device, a body member comprising a bottom, inner and outer side walls, top Walls extending between the inner and outer walls and coacting therewith to deine a reservoir, the inner Walls dening a holder, one of said inner walls being spaced from.I its corresponding outer wall to provide a supply reservoir, the other inner Walls being spaced from their corresponding outer walls to define a passage opening to said supply reservoir, the edge of said supply reservoir inner wall being spaced from the bottom to provide a narrow elongated opening therebetween, the other inner walls having lrelatively restricted openings for discharging fluid to the holder, said slot-like opening and said reservoir openings tbeing positioned at the top of the holder when the holder is facing downwardly, a baffle disposed in said supply reservoir in spaced relation to its said inner wall and projecting from said bottom, and a handle pivotally connected to the body member so that when the body member is suspended from the handle the end thereof containing the supply reservoir swings downwardly.

l0. In a cleaning device, a body member comprising a bottom, inner and outer side walls, top walls extending between the inner and outer walls and coacting therewith to define a reservoir, the inner walls dening a holder, one of said inner walls being spaced from its corresponding outer wall to provide a supply reservoir, the other inner walls being spaced from their corresponding outer walls to dene a passage opening to said supply reservoir, said supply reservoir inner wall -being spaced from the bottom to provide a narrow elongated opening therebetween, the other inner walls having relatively restricted openings for discharging uid to the holder, said narrow elongated opening and said reservoir openings being positioned at the top of the holder when the holder is facing downwardly and in either position of the device opening to said holder and a bao disposed in said supply reservoir in spaced relation to its said inner wall and proiecting from said bottom.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 681,425 Tyre Aug. 27, 1901 866,469 Huggins Sept. 17, 1907 1,378,243 Kracke May 17, 1921 1,593,512 Steiert Iuly 20, 1926 2,070,313 Pieper Feb. 9, 1937 2,238,175 Kendechy Apr. 15, 1941 

